The People’s EV: A 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Buying Guide
When translated into English, Volkswagen means “people’s car.” This couldn’t be a more perfect name when looking at the Volkswagen brand and its dedication to providing consumers with reliable and affordable vehicle options. The German-based manufacturer has been leading the charge when it comes to the growing popularity and accessibility of the electric vehicle (EV). Continuing to expand technology and with its ultimate goal of having an emission-free fleet in the future, Volkswagen has set a standard that many other brands should aspire to.
The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 is the newest chapter in a long line of vehicles that deliver unsurpassed quality to consumers while also doing their part to be ecological-friendly. The ID.4 has generated excitement and anticipation from many, and we’ll be taking a special look at the vehicle to inform you which model will best suit your driving needs. Before you visit us here at Bud Clary Auburn Volkswagen, your Renton WA VW ID.4 dealer, let’s take a closer look at what makes this vehicle so special and why we’re excited to offer this great EV to you.
Ideal From the Ground Up
Purchasing any vehicle, regardless of the make and model, requires research and comparison. This can consist of evaluating costs and taking a deeper look at the trim levels and seeing how they differ. The ID.4 is separated into five trims, so we’ll begin with the base trim and work our way up. Before we dive into our comparison, we’ll first examine the cost-effectiveness of the ID.4. Starting with an MSRP of $37,495, Volkswagen underbids several competing models from Hyundai, Kia, and even Ford.[a]
The introductory trim of the ID.4 is known as Standard, and despite what the name might suggest, the base trim offers quite a bit for the price. The base trim is only available in rear-wheel drive (RWD), unlike the others, which come in either RWD or all-wheel drive (AWD). In most SUVs, the drivetrain has little to no impact on horsepower, but in the ID.4, it makes all the difference. The RWD models produce 201 hp, whereas the AWD models are powered by two electric motors instead of one, which creates a combined horsepower of 295.
The Standard trim lives up to its name in that it has many features that not only come standard but can be found on all trim levels. For those who favor safety over performance, you’ll have adaptive cruise control, lane assist, an active blind spot monitor, and rear traffic alert. A 12-inch touchscreen display can also be found on all trims, which also features the Plus Nav EV navigation feature that is accessible through the myVW app.
The ranges of the vehicles vary, with the Standard trim going approximately 208 miles before it needs charging, while an optional battery pack extends upper trim models to 275 miles.[b] While the next level up, known as the Pro, has many of the same features as its predecessor, it benefits from a faster charging system, and opting for the AWD version gets a few more amenities, such as a heated windshield and a trailer hitch, which is ideal for the ID.4 and its towing capacity of 2,700 lbs.
Crossing the Threshold to the Upper-Tiers
Now that we’ve assessed the benefits and advantages of the ID.4 lower-level trims, we’re ready to cross the threshold into the upper levels and their respective offerings. These are known as the S, the Pro S, and at the very top of the pecking order is the Pro S Plus. Seeing that there are five levels, the S is the middle ground that separates the two classes of trims from one another. Therefore, we’ll look at this middle-ground option first.
Similar to the Standard trim, the S is RWD exclusive but certainly has a few admirable advantages that make it slightly more appealing than the base trim. These include a set of 20-inch alloy wheels that come equipped with all-season tires and a hands-free liftgate, making loading and unloading easier than ever. Adaptive headlights that move along with the steering direction take visibility to new heights. The Pro S trim contains all of the features found on the S trim, along with AWD and fast-charging capabilities made available. There are some notable aesthetic touches that are included, such as a heated windshield. For drivers who favor luxury and live in colder climates, the combination of a defrosting windshield and an AWD drivetrain makes for an excellent winter-ready combination.
At Last, we arrived at the top of the ID.4 mountain. Since its earliest days, one of the attributes associated with Volkswagen is its adherence to varying consumer needs. Their ability to provide cost-effective practicality and excellent performance is why they’ve remained a constant symbol of quality in the automotive industry. The Pro S Plus trim combines luxury and high-end technology, benefiting from the brand’s devotion to the EV. In terms of comfort, the top-of-the-line trim features three-zone automatic climate control, heated front and rear seats, and an impressive digital audio system. Also exclusive to the trim are two-tone machined alloy wheels, power-folding side mirrors, and a rearview camera system that includes a 360-degree point of view for maximum visibility.
An Interior That’s Out of This World
Seeing that this is a modern vehicle for the modern era, VW has placed added emphasis on an interior that once again shifts the paradigm of invention. Somewhat reminiscent of the EVs that are being produced by Tesla, the 12-inch infotainment screen is placed at the very top of the dashboard with a digital readout aligned perfectly with the steering column. The ambient lighting on some of the upper-tier trims gives the driver a heightened driving experience as if they’ve entered a world existing in the imagination of a sci-fi author.
A Final Thought on Selecting the Ideal ID.4
We certainly hope you found the information we presented interesting and enjoyable, from the cost-effective and practical to the luxurious and performance-oriented. With the SUV being the ideal vehicle for the modern family and fuel prices continuing to be a point of contention for many, Volkswagen has successfully delivered a viable alternative that accommodates both of these areas. Today, we’ve seen the many advantages that the ID.4 can offer you. Hopefully, we’ve conveyed that there’s a trim for every type of driver, regardless of your situation and daily driving needs.
Choosing what’s best isn’t always as cut and dry, and with five different trims to choose from, there might be some hesitation as to knowing what perfectly suits you, but don’t worry. We here at Bud Clary Auburn Volkswagen are here to help you find that perfect ID.4 trim. With a knowledgeable sales team who understands the ins and outs of the current Volkswagen fleet, we’ll take the time to listen to you and what features you’re looking for. Volkswagen prides itself on its fantastic range of electric models, and we would be more than happy to help you be part of an all-electric future with the ID.4.
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